Islamabad United's Strongest XI For PSL 2026- Pakistan Prodigy In, Nepal Star Out?

Islamabad United strongest XI for PSL [Source: X]

Islamabad United have rebuilt their squad after the PSL 2026 auction, bringing in several notable names, including the return of Faheem Ashraf for PKR 8.5 crore, which significantly strengthens their all-rounder core.

This move has been complemented by other key signings such as Devon Conway, Max Bryant, Mark Chapman, Dipendra Singh Airee, and Blessing Muzarabani, among others.

With these additions forming the foundation of a new core, Islamabad United, the three-time title-winning side, will aim to assemble a strong playing XI capable of challenging their opponents.

As Islamabad prepare to take on Multan Sultans on March 28 in their opening clash, let’s take a look at their best possible playing XI ahead of the match.

Islamabad United's Strongest XI for PSL 2026

Top order- Devon Conway, Sameer Minhas, Haider Ali and Andries Gous (wk)

The top order of Islamabad United will see New Zealand batter Devon Conway open alongside Pakistan prodigy Sameer Minhas. While Conway has been productive as an opener in recent matches, the 19-year-old Minhas is also a promising talent in the making.

Conway averaged 33.33 in the recently concluded South Africa vs New Zealand series, while Minhas boasts an impressive average of 65.67 in the Under-19 World Cup 2026.

With both batters in good form, they are likely to form the core opening pair. Meanwhile, Dipendra Singh Airee, the batting talent from Nepal, who averaged 56.33 in the T20 World Cup 2026, might miss out on the starting XI.

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Following the opening duo, Haider Ali and Andries Gous are expected to bat at No. 3 and No. 4, respectively. Haider Ali had a decent National T20 Cup campaign, averaging 13.50 while striking at 150.98, and will look to provide stability after the powerplay.

Meanwhile, Andries Gous had a solid ILT20 campaign last year and being one of the core members Islamabad backed in PSL 2026 auction, Gous will be finding a spot as the wicketkeeper-batter in this edition of the game.

Middle Order- Mark Chapman, Max Bryant and Faheem Ashraf

The middle order of Islamabad United is crucial to their core strength. Another New Zealand batter, Mark Chapman, will follow Gous at No. 5.

Chapman’s recent performances have been somewhat inconsistent, as he averaged just 18.80 in the World Cup from five innings. However, his overall numbers at No. 5 highlight his effectiveness in that role, where he averages 32.17 with a strike rate of 146.77. 

This consistency in the middle order could help Chapman find scoring opportunities for United in PSL 2026.

Following Chapman, Australian batter Max Bryant will further strengthen the middle order, effectively completing the batting lineup. Bryant has been in solid form in the Big Bash League, scoring 223 runs at an impressive strike rate of 152.74 for Brisbane Heat.

Next in line is all-rounder Faheem Ashraf, who offers decent striking ability with the bat, although he did not have particularly fruitful campaigns in the Bangladesh series or the World Cup.

His all-round capabilities, however, make him a valuable asset, especially considering the significant investment Islamabad United made to bring him back.

All-Rounders and Bowlers- Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan (c), Salman Mirza and Mohammad Wasim

Imad Wasim will form the lower-order bridge of all-rounders before the bowling core begins. The 37-year-old impressed in the BPL 2025–26, picking up eight wickets in 10 matches. With the bat, he maintained a strike rate of 127.03, making the left-arm orthodox spinner a valuable asset for Islamabad United in the tournament.

Following Imad, the bowling lineup will feature skipper and all-rounder Shadab Khan with Salman Mirza, and Mohammad Wasim. Mohammad Wasim will lead the pace attack alongside Salman with the searing pace options able to strike in both powerplays and death overs while having multiple spin options with the all-rounders.

Islamabad United Strongest XI For PSL 2026- Devon Conway, Sameer Minhas, Haider Ali, Andries Gous (wk), Mark Chapman, Max Bryant, Faheem Ashraf, Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan (c), Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim

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